Bath Salts Facts

From January to June 2011, Poison Control Centers in the US received 3470 calls about Bath Salts. They received 304 in 2010.

In 2008, poisoning overtook motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of injury death.

Between 1999 and 2008, there was a 90% increase in the poisoning death rate.

It has been estimated that synthetic marijuana generates nearly $5 billion a year.

The chemicals in drugs known as bath salts are often synthetic derivatives of cathinone, a stimulant that affects the central nervous system, which is found in the khat plant.

In 2012, a joint operation known as Operation Log Jam conducted by the DEA and ICE, along with other agencies, resulted in over five million packets of synthetic drugs and $36 million in cash seized.

In an effort to combat the spread of synthetic drugs, the DEA and Attorney General used temporary scheduling authority to add five synthetic cannabinoids and three synthetic stimulants to Schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act in 2011.

Based on a 2009 survey, the DEA estimates that 21.8 million Americans have used an illicit drug at least once in the month prior to the survey, also known as a “current user”.

According to the DEA, the most “widely abused” synthetic drug that is produced in the United States is methamphetamine.

Synthetic drugs often don’t show up on standard drug tests, making them a popular alternative for people who have to undergo drug testing at their place of employment.

Some of the dangerous effects from abusing bath salts can include paranoia, panic attacks, mood swings, reckless behavior, hyperthermia, and sleep depravation.

In 2011, a DEA Program Manager estimated there were at least 1000 synthetic drug manufacturers in the United States.

The first state to ban synthetic cannabinoids was Kansas.

In 2009, only 14 calls were placed to American Poison Control Centers about incense. In 2010, that number increased to 2,874.

Since its inception, “K2” and “Spice” have been two of the most popular brands of synthetic marijuana.